Thousands protest as Kenya opposition demands poll reform

NAIROBI: Kenyan police lobbed tear gas at opposition supporters who protested around the country yesterday to demand a reform of the election commission before new polls are held later this month.

Thousands gathered in the capital and the western opposition stronghold Kisumu, while smaller demonstrations took place elsewhere, as the opposition stepped up its protest campaign from two to three days a week.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga reiterated that he would not take part in a re-run of the presidential election on Oct 26 if his demands are not met.

“We have said and we continue to say that we will not participate in the elections if the environment is not conducive for a free and fair election,” he told a press conference.

Kenya’s Supreme Court last month overturned the August election of President Uhuru Kenyatta citing “irregularities” in the counting of results.

With just over two weeks to go until the new election, and rival sides hardening rhetoric, uncertainty is growing over whether they will be able to agree on the conduct of the poll in time. A rights group said yesterday it had documented 37 deaths in the days following August’s poll, with most victims killed by police.

Odinga has called for protests on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

In western Kisumu businesses shut on Monday as large crowds of protesters gathered, before police later fired tear gas and engaged in running battles with some demonstrators. — AFP